If you’ve spent any time looking for a mortgage in Southern California lately, you’ve probably seen the name Dave Medina or The Alevate Group pop up. It’s hard to miss them if you're browsing through Temecula-based finance options or looking for CMG Home Loans. Honestly, the mortgage world is usually pretty dry. It's full of suits and confusing acronyms that make your head spin. But Medina has built a bit of a reputation for doing things differently.
Most people think getting a home loan is just about who has the lowest decimal point on a Friday afternoon. That’s a mistake.
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Who Is Dave Medina, Anyway?
Dave Medina isn’t some newcomer to the scene. He’s a 23-year veteran of the mortgage industry. That's a long time. Think about it—he was closing loans before the 2008 crash, stayed through the recovery, and is now navigating the wild post-2020 market. Currently, he serves as an Area Sales Manager at CMG Home Loans and leads The Alevate Group.
Based in Temecula, California, his team operates out of an office on Old Town Front Street. It’s a local vibe, but because they’re part of the CMG Financial umbrella, they have the backing of a massive national lender. This "local but big" setup is kind of their secret sauce.
Medina holds NMLS ID #395424. If you’re ever skeptical about a loan officer, always check that number. It’s the industry’s version of a fingerprint.
What The Alevate Group Actually Does
The Alevate Group isn't just a fancy name. Medina founded it with a specific philosophy: education over sales.
We’ve all dealt with that one salesperson who pushes a product because it’s easy for them. Medina’s team leans the other way. They talk a lot about "empowerment." Basically, they want you to understand why you’re picking a 30-year fixed over an ARM, or why a HELOC might be a better move for your renovation than a personal loan.
The Loan Products They Juggle
Since they are part of CMG Home Loans, they have access to some weirdly specific products you won't find at your local credit union.
- The All In One Loan: This is CMG’s flagship. It’s a mortgage that acts like a checking account. You deposit your paycheck directly into the loan, which drops the principal balance and saves you a ton in interest. It’s smart, but it’s definitely not for everyone. You need to be disciplined.
- HomeFundIt: This is basically a down payment crowdfunding platform. It’s great for first-time buyers who have the income but haven't saved up that massive chunk of cash yet.
- Renovation Loans: Specifically the 203k loans. These are a nightmare for most lenders because they involve contractors and inspections, but Medina’s team leans into them.
The "Education" Piece Everyone Ignores
Dave Medina writes a lot. If you look at his recent blog posts from late 2024 and throughout 2025, he’s tackling things like student debt and emergency funds.
One of his big points recently has been about the "Home Equity Boom." Since home values have stayed high despite interest rate fluctuations, a lot of people are sitting on "zombie equity." It’s there, but they aren’t using it. Medina has been pushing the Flex HELOC as a way to tap into that cash in as little as three days.
But he’s also realistic. He’s gone on record talking about the importance of an emergency fund before you buy. It’s rare to hear a guy who gets paid when you buy a house tell you to wait until your savings are higher. That’s the "humility" part of their core values (Education, Speed, Humility, Communication).
Why Temecula?
The Alevate Group is heavily rooted in the Inland Empire. While they can do loans across several states, their heart is in Temecula.
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Buying in Riverside County is different than buying in LA or Orange County. You have different tax rates (Mello-Roos, anyone?), different property types, and a different pace of life. Working with a team like Medina’s means you aren't explaining what a "horse property" is to a guy in a call center in Ohio. They live there. They get it.
What Clients Actually Say (The Unfiltered Version)
If you dig through reviews for Dave Medina and The Alevate Group, a pattern emerges.
There’s a review from a woman named Debra W. who is in her mid-70s. She had a terrible experience with a lender 15 years ago and was terrified of the process. She noted that Medina’s team didn’t rush her. They explained things twice—or three times—when needed.
Another client, Errol T., mentioned "constant communication." In the mortgage world, silence is the enemy. There’s nothing worse than having your offer accepted and then not hearing from your lender for five days while your contingency clock is ticking.
The Reality Check: Is It All Sunshine?
Let's be real. No mortgage process is perfect.
Interest rates are set by the market and the Fed, not by Dave. CMG Home Loans is a big machine. While The Alevate Group provides that boutique feel, you are still dealing with a large financial institution. There will be paperwork. There will be requests for that one bank statement you can't find.
The value of a guy like Medina isn't that he makes the paperwork disappear—no one can do that—it's that he has the experience to navigate the "hiccups" that kill deals. When an appraisal comes in low or a tax transcript is delayed, you want the 23-year veteran, not the rookie who just finished a two-week training course.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Move
If you’re thinking about reaching out to Dave Medina or anyone at The Alevate Group, don't just call and ask for "the rate." That's a rookie move.
- Ask about the All In One Loan: Even if you don’t use it, understanding how it works will change how you think about mortgage interest.
- Check your student debt status: If you have debt, ask specifically how they calculate the DTI (Debt-to-Income) ratio. Different programs have different "shortcuts" for student loans.
- Inquire about the Community One Grant: CMG offers grants for certain income levels. It’s literally free money for your down payment if you qualify.
- Prepare your "Paper Trail": Before you even call, have your last two years of taxes and your last 30 days of paystubs ready. Speed is one of their core values, and they can move fast, but only if you do.
The Alevate Group is located at 28475 Old Town Front St, Suite M&N, Temecula, CA. You can reach Dave directly at (951) 858-4761 or via his email at dave.medina@alevategroup.com.
Start by pulling your own credit report through a free service so you know where you stand. Once you have your "big picture" numbers, set up a consultation to talk strategy, not just rates. Knowing your "why" is just as important as knowing your "how much."
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Get your documents organized in a digital folder today. Having your W-2s, bank statements, and ID ready to go will shave days off your pre-approval time and put you in a much stronger position when you find the right house.